Name your poison: "Rough on humans, too"

Back in October of 1890, Harris D. Derby had the grave misfortune to consume meat tainted by rat poison and died as a result, age 57. The Derbys lived northeast of Russell in Cedar Township and the unfortunate Mr. Derby is buried in Allen Cemetery, just north of U.S. 34 in the old LaGrange neighborhood.

It was an odd and inexplicable situation made even odder by the fact that his brief obituary, published in The Chariton Democrat of Nov. 6, names the poison, "Rough on Rats." I've never seen such a thing elsewhere, so here it is:

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"Mr. H.D. Derby, who died from the results of an accidental dose of poison --- Rough on Rats --- on Thursday,  Oct. 23, was born in Victory, Cayuga County, New York, in 1833. He had  lived in Iowa about 20 years, and was one of the most widely respected citizens of his community. His sudden and tragic death is lamented by all who knew him. His family consisting of a loving wife and three daughters have the sympathy of all.

"His bereaved family extend their heart-felt thanks to the neighbors and friends who gave them their sympathy and assistance in their bereavement."

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A report in The Humeston New Era of Oct. 29 adds a little context:

"J. Coppernol was called to Russell last week by the sudden death of his brother-in-law, H.D. Derby. The Recorder of that place thus gives the account of Mr. Derby's death: H.D. Derby, an old and respected citizen of Cedar township, died Wednesday night from the effects of poisoning. The family had put out some rat poison, and in some way it was communicated to some meat which the family ate. Mr. Fulke and his wife, who was a daughter of Mr. Derby, also partook of the meat, and were very dangerously ill, but it is reported that they are in a fair way of recovery."

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But still no explanation of exactly how rat poison ended up on the menu. I wonder ....